Loyalty Program (Full Article)
The program's are designed to allow merchants maximum flexibility in their loyalty offerings. The program is focused on generating the repeat business that is central to a well managed loyalty offering.
Lightstorm's products are based around a common Customer Management System (CMS) that is central to all of our products. This provides for a flexible customer oriented approach to managing the customer contact information.
Key features of the Loyalty environment are as follows:
Ability to operate online and in traditional terminal based retail environments.
Ability to interoperate with other Lightstorm provided services (Payment cards, Gift Cards, Pay Day Lending, Check Cashing, Invoicing and Stock Control etc).
Merchant reporting of customer program participation.
Reduced banking fees.
Additional customer contact and marketing opportunities.
Low cost of operation.
Details of the individual components and features of the loyalty program are described below.
Loyalty Earn (Full Article)
Customers can earn loyalty on transactions. Loyalty programs are available via EFTPOS terminals supplied by Lightstorm partners, Customer Software POS applications and online web applications. The common Lightstorm group of customer and merchant reporting tools are available to provide information to customers and merchants as to the current status of their program memberships, balances and card/account status.
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Lightstorm's Loyalty Program's are based on a flexible infrastructure allowing each program operator to decide how their individual loyalty program will run. Whilst there are a large number of choices (or customisations) available, the most common components are as follows:
Customers earning loyalty based on a % contribution of the face value of a transaction.
Merchant is charged by loyalty program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the loyalty contribution process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges as part of this process to the merchant, customer or program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the transaction fee process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges to merchant or program as a monthly process. |
Loyalty Redemption (Full Article)
Customers can redeem goods and services at any participating merchant within the Loyalty Program. From a merchant point of view the transaction is simply paid for via the Loyalty Program and during the end of period reconciliation, the merchant is paid for the sale.
Like all of Lightstorm's products there are a large number of customizable components these include:
Customers redeem goods and services from merchants participating in the loyalty program.
Merchant is paid by loyalty program.
Flexibility for customers to earn loyalty based on a % contribution of the face value of a transaction.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges as part of this process to the merchant, customer or program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the transaction fee process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges to merchant or program as a monthly process.
Loyalty Balance (Full Article)
Customers always have their current loyalty value available to them at any time, with all transaction details being available as they occur.
Customers can check their loyalty balance via physical terminals both as a specific function and on all customer receipts produced. This allows the customer to know just how many loyalty points are available to them at any time.
Additionally via the MyAccount web portal customers can check their loyalty balance, transaction list history and many other services.
Customer Balance Enquiry Process (online and terminal based).
Flexibility to charge transaction charges as part of this process to the merchant, customer or program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the transaction fee process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges to merchant or program as a monthly process.
PIN Reset (Full Article)
Customers can control the security of their services in a simple or complex manner depending on their wants and needs.
Customers have the option to use one or more PIN's within the loyalty program. Options exist for a customer to provide separate PIN's for online transactions, telephone based transactions and physical terminal based transactions. Whilst these PIN choices can add some complexity, they are available if a customer wants them for extra security.
PIN Reset Process (online and terminal based)
Flexibility to charge transaction charges as part of this process to the merchant, customer or program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the transaction fee process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges to merchant or program as a monthly process.
Physical Terminal Platform (Full Article)
By utilising various terminal platforms Lightstorm can provide a solution to most retailers POS needs, no matter the communications or physical limitations of the environment.
Online Terminal Platform (Full Article)
Loyalty integration with online environments can be supplied with Lightstorm's range of web terminals. Solutions exist for the most popular web programming languages allowing for merchant developers to integrate the loyalty transaction processing into your online shopping presence.
Customers then have the option their loyalty environment within an online shop. Allowing for the customer experience to be seamless between their physical and virtual experiences.
Lightstorm provides several approaches to web site integration, from simple hosted solutions to fully functional integrated and application based solutions. Depending on your requirements we have a terminal application to meet your needs.
Web Terminal - Hosted
The Lightstorm Hosted Web Terminals are available in a number of different languages (ASP, ASPX and PHP) and are supplied with full sample code, development instructions and test procedures, ready for your developers to integrate into your application. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on Lightstorm's secure infrastructure there is no need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the Lightstorm supplied loyalty program's.
Web Terminal - Integrated
The Lightstorm Integrated Web Terminals are available in a number of different languages (ASP and PHP) and are supplied with full sample code, development instructions and test procedures, ready for your developers to integrate into your application. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on your infrastructure, the loyalty data collection process can be seamlessly integrated into your web envrionment, exposing options such as partial payments, periodic billing and enhanced process control to your web developers. Due to the secure information being passed between Lightstorm and the Merchant envrionment there is a need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the Lightstorm Integrated Web Terminal.
SOAP Terminal
The Lightstorm SOAP Terminal can be utilised for high volume web sites that require more complex transaction processing support and bulk transaction delivery to Lightstorm's SOAP services. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on your infrastructure, the Loyalty Program data collection process can be seamlessly integrated into your web envrionment, exposing options such as complete customer data management, transaction reporting, customer portal integration etc. Due to the secure information being passed between Lightstorm and the Merchant envrioment there is a need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the SOAP Terminal.
Application Integration (Full Article)
Merchant application integration can be provided within the Lightstorm loyalty environment, allowing loyalty to be presented within merchant's electronic point of sale environments.
Merchants then have the option for their loyalty program to be presented to customers via the existing POS equipment. This allows for an enhanced customer experience, with loyalty information being able to be presented within the same transaction as a traditional transaction.
Lightstorm provides a SOAP based approach to application integration. The Lightstorm SOAP Terminal is typically utilised for high volume environments that require more complex transaction processing support and bulk transaction delivery to Lightstorm's SOAP services. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on your infrastructure, the loyalty data collection process can be seamlessly integrated into your POS environment, exposing options such as complete customer data management, transaction reporting, customer portal and customer services integration etc. Due to the secure information being passed between Lightstorm and the Merchant environment there is a need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the Lightstorm Integrated Web Terminal.
Secure communications is required for communications between each merchant and Lightstorm's SOAP services to ensure that customer data is secure during transit. Additionally agreements must be in place to ensure that customer data is used only in accordance with Lightstorm's security policies and procedures.
Customer Portal (Full Article)
Tools are available within the Customer Portal to manage the customer's loyalty program.
The customer portal allows customers to update details, change settings and manage their loyalty program. Depending on program operator and merchant participation along with the features available within the program a large number of services can be presented to the customer.
When integration with payment systems, invoicing, online ordering occurs additional details can be presented to the customer in regard to the transactions that have taken place, the points earned and redeemed and marketing information available to the customer.
Account Balance.
Set/Reset PIN.
Contacts Management.
Transaction List.
Transfer funds between cards
Set Transactional Limits
Set Daily Limits
Links and Demonstrations (Full Article)
Video demonstrations of the software in action are available, demonstrating the ease of use and covering a number of typical functions.
Closed Circuit Payment Program (Full Article)
Lightstorm Closed Circuit Payment Systems provide an organisation to present a payment system without the need to handle and manage cash for low value transactions.
Lightstorm's approach to Closed Circuit Payment System allows for integration of the Closed Circuit Payment Systems with other programs available from Lightstorm, traditional banking and other payment services.
Customer operations benefit from rapid transaction processing, optional application integration and a common transactional platform. This helps to lower the costs of performing low value transactions, and ensures that card holders, merchants and program operators are charged fees that make the transactions viable even at a low value.
Customers are able to Top Up their Closed Circuit Payment Cards from the traditional banking environment, IVR or via merchant physical terminals, ensuring that card holder convenience is always maximised.
Customers redeem goods and services from merchants participating in the payment program
Merchants are paid by the program
Flexibility for customers to earn loyalty based on a % contribution of the face value of a transaction for payment transactions.
Separate loyalty contribution rate from standard loyalty program when integrated.
Variable fees and charges structure.
Flexibility to integrate with the Loyalty Program or Gift Card Program.
Flexibility to commission participants in this process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges as part of this process to the merchant, customer or program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the transaction fee process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges to merchant or program as a monthly process.
Reduced administrative costs, cash handling fees, banking fees etc can be achieved by merchants by utilising the Closed Circuit Payment System both via traditional physical terminals and online.
Specific solutions have been developed for school environments with customer integration providing the following services on a multi-use Mifare card:
Student ID, with the integration of student ID information, the same card can provide identification services as required.
Loyalty Card/Payment Card, closed circuit payment technologies allow schools to minimise the amount of cash that is handled within the school
Membership Card, participation allows students to obtain discounts from StudentEdge participating vendors increasing the value of the card to the student.
Payment Top Up (Full Article)
Payment cards can be utilised to purchase goods and service in a secure convenient manner. To perform this role, funds must be transferred from the traditional banking system to the closed circuit payment program.
Customers can top up their closed circuit payment card balance via physical terminals at a physical merchant, online or via telephone (IVR system) from a credit card or via by BPay from any supported banking account.
Customers have the ability to transfer funds from the banking system to non banking system via any of the following means
Web Based Top Up.
IVR Based Top Up.
BPay Based Top Up.
Merchant Based Top Up (gift cards, promotions etc can be performed by direct debit).
The top up process allows for a number of customisations in regard to the following processes
Flexibility to commission participants in this process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges as part of this process to the merchant, customer or program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the transaction fee process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges to merchant or program as a monthly process.
Payment Balance (Full Article)
Customers always have their current closed circuit payment card balance available to them at any time, with all transaction details being available as they occur.
Customers can check their closed circuit payment card balance via physical terminals both as a specific function and on all customer receipts produced. This allows the customer to know the points balance that is available to them at any time.
Additionally via the MyAccount web portal customers can check their closed circuit payment card balance, transaction list history and many other services.
Customer Balance Enquiry Process (online and terminal based)
Provides balance information for total value available (Toped up plus loyalty as applicable).
Online environment reports detail for these items separately.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges as part of this process to the merchant, customer or program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the transaction fee process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges to merchant or program as a monthly process.
PIN Reset (Full Article)
Customers can control the security of their services in a simple or complex manner depending on their wants and needs.
Customers have the option to use one or more PIN's within the loyalty program. Options exist for a customer to provide separate PIN's for online transactions, telephone based transactions and physical terminal based transactions. Whilst these PIN choices can add some complexity, they are available if a customer wants them for extra security.
PIN Reset Process (online and terminal based)
Flexibility to charge transaction charges as part of this process to the merchant, customer or program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the transaction fee process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges to merchant or program as a monthly process.
Physical Terminal Platform (Full Article)
By utilising various terminal platforms Lightstorm can provide a solution to most retailers POS needs, no matter the communications or physical limitations of the environment.
Lightstorm partners with a number of hardware terminal suppliers to provide a convenient platform for customer closed circuit payment solutions.
We offer terminals in both fixed and mobile varieties, these can be utilised to provide dedicated payment solutions or when combined within the traditional banking system to provide a single device payment, debit and credit card processing service. Additionally by utilising the clearing services of Lightstorm's partner organisations, extremely competitive merchant service fees can be delivered as part of the terminal platform provisioning. Any or all of Lightstorm's card services can be provided on a single terminal at the same time.
Physical Terminals are available in the following platform choices
Fixed Line (Building Powered)
- Ethernet Based (wired and wireless)
- GPRS (mobile)
- ADSL
- POTS / Traditional Telephone
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Mobile (Battery Powered)
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Online Terminal Platform (Full Article)
Closed Circuit Payment integration with online environments can be supplied with Lightstorm's range of web terminals. Solutions exist for the most popular web programming languages allowing for merchant developers to integrate payment transaction processing into your online shopping presence.
Customers then have the option of using their payment cards within an online shop. Allowing for the customer experience to be seamless between their physical and virtual experiences.
Lightstorm provides several approaches to web site integration, from simple hosted solutions to fully functional integrated and application based solutions. Depending on your requirements we have an terminal application to meet your needs.
Web Terminal - Hosted
The Lightstorm Hosted Web Terminals are available in a number of different languages (ASP, ASPX and PHP) and are supplied with full sample code, development instructions and test procedures, ready for your developers to integrate into your application. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on Lightstorm's secure infrastructure there is no need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the closed circuit payment program.
Web Terminal - Integrated
The Lightstorm Integrated Web Terminals are available in a number of different languages (ASP and PHP) and are supplied with full sample code, development instructions and test procedures, ready for your developers to integrate into your application. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on your infrastructure, the closed circuit payment data collection process can be seamlessly integrated into your web envrironment, exposing options such as partial payments, periodic billing and enhanced process control to your web developers. Due to the secure information being passed between Lightstorm and the Merchant envrironment there is a need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the Lightstorm Integrated Web Terminal.
SOAP Terminal.
The Lightstorm SOAP Terminal can be utilised for high volume web sites that require more complex transaction processing support and bulk transaction delivery to Lightstorm's SOAP services. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on your infrastructure, the Closed Circuit Payment data collection process can be seamlessly integrated into your web environment, exposing options such as complete customer data management, transaction reporting, customer portal integration etc. Due to the secure information being passed between Lightstorm and the Merchant environment there is a need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the SOAP Terminal.
Application Integration (Full Article)
Merchant application integration can be provided within the Lightstorm loyalty environment, allowing loyalty to be presented within merchants electronic point of sale environments.
Merchants then have the option for their loyalty program to be presented to customers via the existing POS equipment. This allows for an enhanced customer experience, with loyalty information being able to be presented within the same transaction as a traditional transaction.
Lightstorm provides a SOAP based approach to application integration. The Lightstorm SOAP Terminal is typically utilised for high volume environments that require more complex transaction processing support and bulk transaction delivery to Lightstorm's SOAP services. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on your infrastructure, the loyalty data collection process can be seamlessly integrated into your POS environment, exposing options such as complete customer data management, transaction reporting, customer portal and customer services integration etc. Due to the secure information being passed between Lightstorm and the Merchant environment there is a need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the Lightstorm Integrated Web Terminal.
Secure communications is required for communications between each merchant and Lightstorm's SOAP services to ensure that customer data is secure during transit. Additionally agreements must be in place to ensure that customer data is used only in accordance with Lightstorm's security policies and procedures.
Online Operation (Full Article)
Security and privacy in an online environment is paramount, no matter the value of the transaction or the transaction type. As such Lightstorm takes a unique approach to ensure that all customer data is private, transactions are secure and that merchants are able to transact with confidence.
By utilising Lightstorm branded payment cards, customers can be assured that all details about their transactions are secure when performing both online and merchant based transactions. Additionally Lightstorm provides the ability for a customer to create a single use card online with a limited amount of funds available to this card, this is a Virtual Card.
By taking this single use approach to online transactions, the merchant is never provided with the actual customer card number, so no mistaken transactions can occur, no third party can intercept card information and the identity information of the card holder is protected.
Customers can generate virtual cards as needed.
Virtual Cards can be single use or multi use with a unique PIN per Virtual card.
Remaining Virtual card balances are returned to the customers actual card once the Virtual card is no longer needed.
Merchants receive the same reporting details as if a traditional card was utilised.
Marketing information is still available to the merchant if required.
Links and Demonstrations (Full Article)
Video demonstrations of the software in action are available, demonstrating the ease of use and covering a number of typical functions.
Gift Card (Full Article)
The Lightstorm Gift Card program is designed to allow merchants maximum flexibility in their approach to running a Gift card enviroment. Programs can be run entirely stand alone, or integrated with a closed circuit payment system or loyalty program.
Lightstorm's Gift Cards are based around a common Customer Management System (CMS) that is central to all of Lightstorm's products. This provides for a flexible customer oriented approach to managing the loyalty program.
Merchant operations benefit from rapid transaction processing, optional application integration and a common transactional platform. This helps to lower the costs of performing Gift card transactions, and ensures that card holders, merchants and program operators are charged fees that make the transactions viable.
Merchants are able to Top Up their Gift cards from the traditional banking environment, IVR or via merchant physical terminals, ensuring that card holder convenience is always maximised.
Customers redeem goods and services from merchants participating in the payment program
Merchants are paid by the program
Flexibility for customers to earn loyalty based on a % contribution of the face value of a transaction for payment transactions.
Separate loyalty contribution rate from standard loyalty program when integrated.
Variable fees and charges structure.
Flexibility to integrate with the Loyalty Program or Gift Card Program.
Flexibility to commission participants in this process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges as part of this process to the merchant, customer or program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the transaction fee process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges to merchant or program as a monthly process.
Reduced administrative costs, cash handling fees, banking fees etc can be achieved by merchants by utilising the Gift cards both via traditional physical terminals and online.
Details of the individual components and features of the loyalty program are described below.
Gift Card Top Up (Full Article)
Gift Cards can be utilised to purchase goods and service in a secure convenient manner. To perform this role, funds must be transferred from the traditional banking system to the closed circuit payment program.
Customers can top up their Gift cards via physical terminals at a merchant site, online or via telephone (IVR system) from a credit card or via by BPay from any supported banking account.
Customers have the ability to transfer funds from the banking system to non banking system via any of the following means
Web Based Top Up.
IVR Based Top Up.
BPay Based Top Up.
Merchant Based Top Up (gift cards, promotions etc can be performed by direct debit).
The top up process allows for a number of customisations in regard to the following processes
Flexibility to commission participants in this process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges as part of this process to the merchant, customer or program.
Flexibility to commission participants in the transaction fee process.
Flexibility to charge transaction charges to merchant or program as a monthly process.
Additional Program Integration (Full Article)
With all Lightstorm products taking advantage of the common Customer Management System (CMS), long term value from the Gift Cards can be achieved with functional migration of Gift Cards to both Loyalty Cards or Payment Cards as required.
By utilising Lightstorm branded Gift Cards, customers can be assured that all details about their transactions are secure when performing both online and merchant based transactions. Additionally Lightstorm provides the ability for a customer to create a single use card online with a limited amount of funds available to this card, this is a Virtual Card.
By taking this single use approach to online transactions, the merchant is never provided with the actual customer card number, so no mistaken transactions can occur, no third party can intercept card information and the identity information of the card holder is protected.
Customers can generate virtual cards as needed.
Virtual Cards can be single use or multi use with a unique PIN per Virtual card.
Remaining Virtual card balances are returned to the customers actual card once the Virtual card is no longer needed.
Merchants receive the same reporting details as if a traditional card was utilised.
Marketing information is still available to the merchant if required.
Physical Terminal Platform (Full Article)
By utilising various terminal platforms Lightstorm can provide a solution to most retailers POS needs, no matter the communications or physical limitations of the environment.
Lightstorm partners with a number of hardware terminal suppliers to provide a convenient platform for customer Gift Card solutions.
We offer terminals in both fixed and mobile varieties, these can be utilised to provide dedicated Gift Card solutions or when combined within the traditional banking system to provide a single device payment, debit and credit card processing service. Additionally by utilising the clearing services of Lightstorm's partner organisations, extremely competitive merchant service fees can be delivered as part of the terminal platform provisioning. Any or all of Lightstorm's card services can be provided on a single terminal at the same time.
Physical Terminals are available in the following platform choices
Fixed Line (Building Powered)
- Ethernet Based (wired and wireless)
- GPRS (mobile)
- ADSL
- POTS / Traditional Telephone
|
|
Mobile (Battery Powered)
|
|
Online Terminal Platform (Full Article)
Gift Card integration with online environments can be supplied with Lightstorm's range of web terminals. Solutions exist for the most popular web programming languages allowing for merchant developers to integrate Gift Card processing into your online shopping presence.
Customers then have the option of using their Gift Cards within an online shop. Allowing for the customer experience to be seamless between their physical and virtual experiences.
Lightstorm provides several approaches to web site integration, from simple hosted solutions to fully functional integrated and application based solutions. Depending on your requirements we have an terminal application to meet your needs.
Web Terminal - Hosted
The Lightstorm Hosted Web Terminals are available in a number of different languages (ASP, ASPX and PHP) and are supplied with full sample code, development instructions and test procedures, ready for your developers to integrate into your application. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on Lightstorm's secure infrastructure there is no need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the Gift Card program.
Web Terminal - Integrated
The Lightstorm Integrated Web Terminals are available in a number of different languages (ASP and PHP) and are supplied with full sample code, development instructions and test procedures, ready for your developers to integrate into your application. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on your infrastructure, the Gift Card data collection process can be seamlessly integrated into your web environment, exposing options such as partial payments, periodic billing and enhanced process control to your web developers. Due to the secure information being passed between Lightstorm and the Merchant environment there is a need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the Lightstorm Integrated Web Terminal.
SOAP Terminal.
The Lightstorm SOAP Terminal can be utilised for high volume web sites that require more complex transaction processing support and bulk transaction delivery to Lightstorm's SOAP services. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on your infrastructure, the Gift Card payment data collection process can be seamlessly integrated into your web environment, exposing options such as complete customer data management, transaction reporting, customer portal integration etc. Due to the secure information being passed between Lightstorm and the Merchant environment there is a need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the Lightstorm SOAP Terminal.
Application Integration (Full Article)
Merchant application integration can be provided within the Lightstorm Loyalty environment, allowing Gift Cards to be utilised within a merchants' electronic Point of Sale environments.
Merchants then have the option for their Gift Cards to be presented to customers via the existing POS equipment. This allows for an enhanced customer experience, with Gift Card information being able to be presented within the same transaction as a traditional transaction.
Lightstorm provides a SOAP based approach to application integration. The Lightstorm SOAP Terminal is typically utilised for high volume environments that require more complex transaction processing support and bulk transaction delivery to Lightstorm's SOAP services. With all of the secure data collection for the customer transaction occurring on your infrastructure, the Gift card data collection process can be seamlessly integrated into your POS environment, exposing options such as complete customer data management, transaction reporting, customer portal and customer services integration etc. Due to the secure information being passed between Lightstorm and the Merchant environment there is a need to purchase SSL certificates to accept payment via the Lightstorm Integrated Web Terminal.
Secure communications is required for communications between each merchant and Lightstorm's SOAP services to ensure that customer data is secure during transit. Additionally agreements must be in place to ensure that customer data is used only in accordance with Lightstorm's security policies and procedures.
Pay Day Lending (Full Article)
Lightstorm’s Pay Day Lending software provides outlets access to services previously not available. The most effective of these is the ability to collect payment via Direct Debit. The service is far more convenient for Pay Day Lenders and their clients.
Lightstorm's Pay Day Lending is fully integrated with Lightstorm’s Smart Card, Rewards Programs, Check Cashing and online services providing outlets the ability to add more services to customers than currently available. To find out more simply contact us from the details below.
Experience (Full Article)
The principles of Lightstorm have many years of experience in the Check Cashing and Pay Day Lending industries in Australia, UK and USA. Lightstorm do not own or operate any outlets of their own and are not competitors to any Pay Day Lending or Check Cashing outlets.
Lightstorm’s principles have successfully operated Direct Debit bureau services in Australia and the UK previously. These services are monitored and administered by Lightstorm in conjunction with clearing house partners Advam. The software has many system checks, high levels of security and alerts that prevent and limit the outlets ability to cause excessive representation fees to customers.
Security and Compliance (Full Article)
Security is a key focus for Lightstorm. In today's business environment, being able to perform transactions in a secure and reliable manner is critical. Additionally reporting transaction details to external bodies can place a large administrative burden on any business. Lightstorm's Pay Day Lending application allows for this reporting to be performed from a central location, with all associated information available via electronic document storage.
Lightstorm USA are Affiliate Partners with the CFSA. The software complies with both state and federal guidelines. Lightstorm maintains the software applications to be compliant with any legislation changes issued via the CFSA. This service is supplied to all users of the applications as part of the ongoing maintenance of the applications.
Lightstorm uses the latest and highest level of security in both hardware and software to ensure all client and transactional information is secure. All users of the system complete a merchant security agreement as part of their contractual obligations that governs security measures required by their systems as well as their conduct when using the facilities provided.
Lightstorm complies with the Anti Terrorism and Anti Money Laundering legislation. All Loan Agreements and Direct Debit forms are stored as a PDF within the database. This makes audits simple and quick if required.
All users are supplied with unique system ID’s. These provide the ability to limit the user’s access to the system and provide a detailed audit trail for retraining and other audit requirements.
All Direct Debit file processing is controlled by Lightstorm. The system generates an export file of the Direct Debits required to be presented daily that is sent to the sponsor bank in their required format daily. Lightstorm imports the Direct Debit file supplied from the sponsoring bank on a daily basis. This file updates the application and advises the Pay Day Lenders of successful and unsuccessful Direct Debits.
Benefits (Full Article)
Increases in processing efficiency, reduction in operating costs, lower bad debts. These are just some of the many business benefits that the Lightstorm Pay Day Lending application brings to the Pay Day Lending industry.
Historically and currently collection of payments are conducted by presentation of checks supplied by loan applicants. This method of collection has a high administration overhead, human error and a higher level of failures for collection. Lightstorm’s Pay Day Lending software gives outlets access to collection services previously not available.
The most cost effective benefit is the ability to collect payment via Direct Debit. This method has historically reduced bad debts and collections costs dramatically. The service is far more convenient for Pay Day Lenders and their clients. The product is designed to reduce late fees and promote responsible lending and collection procedures for users of the software applications.
The Pay Day Lending and Check Cashing software is fully integrated with Lightstorm’s Smart Card, Rewards Programs and online services providing outlets the ability to add more services to customers than currently available. These services are not supplied via banks and generate income to the Pay Day Lending outlets. To find out more simply contact us from the details below.
Administration (Full Article)
System Administration is available from any Lightstorm client location. Daily functions can be configured via this process, and general user level administration of the environment is possible.
Users of the applications will no longer require the supply of new checks. This process is easily achieved using the rescheduling facility within the Direct Debit product. The administration of many physical checks reduces handling and human error issues.
All Direct Debit file processing is controlled by Lightstorm. The system generates an export file of the Direct Debits required to be presented daily that is sent to the sponsor bank in their required format daily. Lightstorm imports the Direct Debit file supplied from the sponsoring bank on a daily basis. This file updates the application and advises the Pay Day Lenders of successful and unsuccessful Direct Debits.
Outlets can phone the loan customer to discuss the failure and select the next date that the customer requires the debit to be presented. At this stage the Pay Day Lender can apply the appropriate late fees required and collect those via the Direct Debit method also.
All Loan agreements and Direct Debit authorities and stored as PDF’s in the database. Pay Day Lenders are required to only keep the signed copies of the agreements for use in the event of a dispute.
Agreements and historical data are easily accessed live from the system by Authorised users.
Links and Demonstrations (Full Article)
Video demonstrations of the software in action are available, demonstrating the ease of use and covering a number of typical functions.
Customer Management (Full Article)
Customer Details
Customer management is avaliable either as a stand alone item (STORM) or integrated with other Lightstorm applications and programs (Loyalty, Closed Circuit Payment, Gift Cards, Pay Day Lending and Check Cashing, Stock Control and Invoicing etc).
Rules based Contact (Full Article)
Scheduled Contact (Full Article)
Customer marketing information can be emailed to listed contacts based on a number of criteria, these are all based on the information collected when the customer is entered into the database.
Depending on the details collected the customer can be contacted based on a schedule, giving the merchants the ability to build a campaign of events to be delivered to customers over a period of time.
Links and Demonstrations (Full Article)
Video demonstrations of the client software in action are available, demonstrating the ease of use and covering a number of typical functions.
Online Terminal Platform (Full Article)
Online Customer Portal Details
Account Balance
Set/Reset PIN
Customer contact management
Statement
Transactional Operation (ie transfer funds, set transactional limits etc)
Online Top Up